Applications available for Chickasaw Princess Pageant

Chickasaw Royalty 2016-17 are, left to right, Little Miss Chickasaw Lakala Orphan, Chickasaw Jr. Princess Keilyn “Keke” Factor and Chickasaw Princess Julie Underwood all of Ada. The Chickasaw Nation is now accepting applications for the 2017-2018 Chickasaw Princess Pageant. Applications must be submitted by August 25.

ADA, Okla. – The Chickasaw Nation is now accepting applications for the 2017-2018 Chickasaw Princess Pageant. Applications must be submitted by August 25.

Chickasaw Princess candidates must be 17 to 25 years of age to compete, while Chickasaw Junior Princess candidates must be 12 to 16 years of age and Little Miss Chickasaw candidates must be 7 to 11 years of age.

Chickasaw Princesses are selected each year at the Chickasaw Princess Pageant during the Chickasaw Festival. Chickasaw Princesses serve as goodwill ambassadors at a variety of events and functions across the U.S.

Candidates must reside within the 13-county jurisdictional boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation, be predominantly Chickasaw with at least one quarter blood quantum and be a registered citizen of the Chickasaw Nation.

Chickasaw Junior Princess and Little Miss Chickasaw contestants must attend school to be eligible for pageant entry. A minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA) is required and the candidate must be in good standing with the school.

Chickasaw Princess candidates must either attend school, be high school graduates enrolled in higher education or specialized training classes, or be employed to be eligible for pageant entry. If a princess candidate is employed, her schedule must be somewhat flexible to accommodate her participation in tribal-related functions and other events.

In addition to the application, candidates must also include a copy of their Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) and citizenship card/certificate, a digital photo, a brief essay and three references from individuals not related to the candidate.

Candidates are also responsible for providing their own traditional dress, which includes a cotton dress and apron.